I spent a couple of my High School Years in north Texas. The official name of the city is Burkburnett- the pet name was "Boomtown". This moniker stemmed from the oil boom of the early 1900's.

I suppose you could lend the Boomtown name to any city with explosive growth.

At least that's what Business Week has done.

In their Article, "America's Biggest Boomtowns", they've made a case for the towns and cities across America that have attracted an ever increasing quantity of newcomers. These cities were evaluated for a number of statistics dating to the new century.

Listed fifth is Queen Creek, Arizona.

Among the items of note are:

• Household growth (2000-08): 604%
  
• Household income growth (2000-08): 12%
  
• Home value: $154,000

Life in "the QC" has become a bit less rural. There are movieplexes, equestrian facilities, and large shopping developments. Most importantly, Queen Creek is very affordable.

It's one of the few place that still has a variety of new homes in an extremely affordable price range. For example, here's a new listing:

New Home:

• 1,445 sq ft
• 3 bedroom + den (optional 4th bedroom)
• 2 bath
• 2 car garage
• Optional Bay Window
• Vaulted Ceiling
• Exterior Coach Lights
• Cherry Cabinets
• Upgraded Black Appliances: including Microwave, Side by Side Refrigerator, Oven
• Available for immediate occupancy

Base Price: $112,290

Upgrades: $15,960

Total Price: $128,250

Discount: $23,531

Current Price: $104,719

Builder will offer 3% to cover closing costs.

Here's the best part- first time home buyers may qualify for rural housing loans- which will pay the downpayment. In other words, it's possible to have a total move-in cost of $500.

Welcome to the Boomtown. Stay a while- make yourself at home.

-------

Chuck Willman is an Arizona based real estate agent. 480.292.0600 - www.AZvest.com

-------

Boomtown lettering created with "Spell with Flickr"